Trump skips North Korea at UN speech, stresses Iran deal, Cuba pressure and AI agenda
In his UN General Assembly address, Donald Trump did not mention North Korea, instead highlighting a possible Iran agreement, pressure on Cuba, and a new framing for artificial intelligence.
Donald Trump delivered a 40-minute address to the UN General Assembly without mentioning North Korea, even though he has signaled intent to meet Kim Jong-un later this year. He framed a pivotal choice between striking a comprehensive deal with Iran after the November midterms or intensifying pressure to eliminate the regime's nuclear ambitions. Trump called on nations to enforce full economic isolation of Iran until it ceases attacks and nuclear pursuits.
The president also declared that Cuba is under the greatest pressure it has ever faced, labeling the regime a failed state and assigning Secretary of State Marco Rubio to handle negotiations. He emphasized U.S. dominance in artificial intelligence, proposing the term "superintelligence" replace "AI" and pledging continued leadership. Bilateral talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and British Prime Minister Andy Burnham were described as very good, with expectations of a settlement with Iran.
Why it matters
The speech signals U.S. foreign-policy focus and rhetorical shifts on Iran, Cuba and AI ahead of upcoming elections.
How this story developed
- Sep 9 Trump predicts Iran conflict will cease right after U.S. midterms
- Sep 20 Brazil opened the floor and the United States spoke second, establishing the speaking order for the session.
- Sep 20 President Donald Trump asked President Volodimir Zelenski to stop attacks on Russian oil refineries, warning they raise diesel prices, as the two leaders prepare to meet in New York during the UN General Assembly.
- Sep 21 Iran sent demands to the United States and Houthis launched attacks on Saudi oil facilities.
- Sep 21 Guterres urged global cooperation on AI, inequality and conflict before departing.
- Sep 21 Trump announced he would seek a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the UN General Assembly.
- Sep 21 Zelensky announced plans for a high‑profile meeting with President Trump in New York.
- Sep 22 The UN secretary‑general race has narrowed to seven candidates after former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet withdrew.
- Sep 22 Macron scheduled private meetings with Trump at 17:35 and with Zelensky at 21:45 in New York during UN week.
- Sep 22 Donald Trump told the United Nations that he expects the United States to secure a deal with Iran after the upcoming November midterm elections.
- Sep 22 The agenda now places artificial intelligence governance at the forefront of UN discussions.
- Sep 22 Trump scheduled to deliver a speech at the UN General Assembly and hold bilateral talks with leaders from Britain, Ukraine, Venezuela, Denmark, Greenland and Gulf states.
- Sep 22 Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced openness to meeting Iranian representatives on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly to discuss the Strait of Hormuz.
- Sep 22 Trump announced a three‑hour US‑Iran meeting at the UN.
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